AEP Texas representatives plan to upgrade the electric transmission grid in West Texas by rebuilding about 27 miles of 345-kilovolt (kV) and adding additional wire or conductor to the new structures.
AEP Texas plans to replace existing wooden H-frame poles with monopole steel structures within the company's existing easements. New poles are necessary to accommodate the additional circuit while also minimizing the structures' footprint.
As a result of Texas House Bill 5066, the PUCT directed the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to develop a reliability plan for the Permian Basin region.
The Bluff Creek - Mulberry Creek is part of that reliability plan. This rebuild project:
Because the line was originally approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to operate with a single circuit, AEP Texas officials plan to apply for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) with the PUCT in early 2026 to include the additional circuit.
September 2025: AEP Texas representatives invite you to attend an in-person open house on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at 201 Mesquite Event Center (201 Mesquite St. Abilene, TX 79601). Landowners are welcome to attend the open house to view detailed maps and learn more about the project, construction process and AEP Texas’ vegetation management program. There is no formal presentation, so you can arrive at any time during the event.
The new structures will include AEP's Breakthrough in Overhead Line Design technology, which is capable of operating more efficiently than conventional transmission pole designs.
Typical Height: 130 feet*
Typical Right-of-Way Width: 150 feet*
*Representative structure, height and right-of-way requirements may vary based on geography and other factors.
AEP Texas serves more than 900,000 electric consumers in the deregulated Texas marketplace.
Project Outreach Specialist
1-833-329-4865
AEPTexasOutreach@aep.com
Your message has been sent! We'll be in touch shortly.